Roundabout



(No ModeL') W. E. MEISSNER ROUNDABOUT. No. 473,177.

Patented Apr. 19, 1892 Ihurrn STATES WILLIAM E. MEISSNER, OF ROCKAWAY, NEW YORK.

ROUNDABOUT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 473,177, dated April 19, 1892. Application filed July 29, 1891. Serial No. 401,044:- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLTAM E. MEIsSNER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Rockaway, in the county of Queens, in the State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Oarrousel, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to-improvements in that class of devices known as carrousels or merry-go-rounds; and the object of my invention is to provide an attachment for said carrousels or merry-go-rounds which renders them more attractive and calls attention to the same, and also affords more amusement for the persons on the carrousel and for the bystanders.

The invention consists in the construction and combination of parts and details, as will be fully described hereinafter, and finally pointed out in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical transverse sectional view of a carrousel provided with my improvements, parts being omitted. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional View showing the mechanism. Fig. 3 is a detail side view, parts being in section; and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the circular track.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The central post A, the platform B, suspended from the same, the cars 0, and the driving mechanism are all of the usual wellknown construction. Concentric with the rotatin g platform B is arranged a circular track D from six to eight feet from the floor. Above the circular track D a circular platform E is arranged, in which pairs of wheels F are mounted independently at intervals, said wheels F running on the circular track D. A circular rack G is secured to the inner edge of the circular platform E and is engaged by a pinion H, driven by any suitable motor, so that when the pinion H is rotated the circular platform E is also rotated and runs on its wheels F. A series of clips or brackets I are secured to and project downward from the circular platform E and their lower forked ends carry rollers K, that run in a groove L, formed in the inner edge of the circular track D for the purpose of preventing lateral displacements of the said circular platform E.

An apron M, of metal, canvas, or other material, is secured to the outer edge of the circular platform E for the purpose of concealing the wheels F and the mechanism for rotating the platform.

Above each pair of wheels a disk-shaped plate N is mounted to rotate on a central pivot N. On each disk N one or more fanciful fig ures V are mounted. The circular track D is provided alternately on opposite sides with segmental grooves O, which are so arranged that when one of the wheels F runs on the upper surface of the track D the other will run in the groove, and thus only that wheel will be rotated that runs on the track, as the other does not come in contact at the bottom with any fixed surface. As the disks N rest upon the wheels and as only one wheel rotates and as each wheel rotates the disk N in opposite direction whenever it acts upon the same, it is evident that the disks N will alternately be rotated in opposite directionsthat is, the dancers will automatically reverse after having traveled a short distance in a circular line.

over the track D.

At intervals figures of soldiers and the like are mounted on fixed disks P, also supported on the platform E, which figures have pivoted legs, as shown at the left in Fig. 3, and their said legs have pins Q, projecting downward through slots in the disks P and slots in the circular platform E D and strike against the blocks S, arranged upon the circular track D. Said pins Q, striking against the blocks S, hold the legs of the figures for a short time and then release them, thus giving the figures the appearance of walking.

In order to increase the effect produced by the figures, a series of mirrors T are arranged at a suitable inclination above the figures and reflect the image of the moving and rotating figures as they pass.

The figures traveling around in a circle produce a very novel effect and are a great attraction for children and afford them much pleasure and amusement.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- In a carrousel, the combination, with the usual rotating platform, of a circular track having segmental grooves arranged alternately along the inner and outer edges, a plaamy invention I have signed my name in presform above said track,independent Wheels on once of two subserlbmg Witnesses. said platform running over those parts of the track provided with the grooves, rotating \VM. E. MEISSNER. 5 disks on the platform, and figures on said Vitnesses:

disks, substantially as set forth. B. RADLEl-i,

In testimony that I claim the foregoing; as JOHN GRAVE. 

